League Cup 23/09

Chelsea v Queens Park Rangers
Hull City v Everton
Preston North End v Tottenham Hotspur
Aston Villa v Cardiff City
Manchester United v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Manchester City v Fulham


Hull City v Everton

Verdict: Hull City manager, Phil Brown, is under scrutiny as his side have only won an incredible 3 matches in their last 35 league outings! So, there will be no doubting what will take priority in the back of Brown's mind when he sits down to select his squad to face a buoyant Everton side. Hull are set to ring the changes with veteran Boateng, and youngsters Tom Cairney, Liam Cooper, Nicky Featherstone and Will Atkinson also set to feature.
Everton have won three of their last four competitive fixtures but it's their last two outings that have caught the eye with convincing wins against AEK Athens (4-0) and Blackburn Rovers (3-0), both at Goodison Park. Aside from good form, Moyes is beginning to develop a fine squad of pros and will have the ability to rotate players without losing in terms of quality. Yakubu, Bilyaletdinov, Lucas Neil, and Hibbert are almost certain to feature from the start as Everton go about overcoming the Hull test. David Moyes has stated in the past that he wants his team winning trophies and competing for honours, so the motivation is strong and so is the confidence within the squad.

Pick: Everton 1X2 @2.10 (Stan James, 6 units)
Hull City 0 - 4 Everton

Manchester United v Wolverhampton

Verdict: Defending Carling Cup Champions, Manchester United, will go in defence of their title against newly promoted EPL side, The Wolves. Owen's heroics in the Manchester Derby had the entire footballing world talking and just days later, he will get his chance to impress again on an admittedly smaller stage. Expected to be joining him in a Manchester United ''B' side' are the like of Wellbeck, Macheda, Gibson, Rafael, Brown, Neville, Nani, Carrick and Kuszczak, hardly an under-strength side. Wolverhampton had a solid 2-1 home win over Fulham last time out and manager, Mick Macarthy, has stated in the press that he will play a 4-4-2 system and will instruct his team to attack their more illustrious opponents. Former Manchester United duo, David Jones and Ebanks-Blake, will return to Old Trafford with a point to prove and they will be joined by the fit again Kevin Foley and Michael Kightly.

Wolves conceded three goals in their last away game to a poor Blackburn side so the omens are not good for the visitors. Owen will be buoyed by his goal on the weekend and with out of favour regulars like Carrick and Nani in the side, in addition to the vibrant youthful group, I expect a lively encounter with goals. It is likely that Wolves will have their handful of opportunities too, especially against a Manchester defence featuring un-matchfit players in Neville, Brown, Kuszczak, and Rafael.

Pick: Over 2.75 goals @1.82 (ibcbet, 6 units)
Manchester United 1 - 0 Wolverhampton